The votes are in and the winners have been selected for OnMilwaukee's Best: Eat & Drink, 2007. The results of this readers' poll, including an editors' pick, are available in this series of articles that run all month long in the Bars and Clubs section of OnMilwaukee.com.
We can't write about Milwaukee's best place for a secret rendezvous without first mentioning the unfortunate and recent closing of Bryant's Cocktail Lounge, 1579 S. 9th St., after 45 years in Milwaukee. Bryant's was listed on the voting ballot and although it didn't win first place, it came in near the top at No. 3, after The Safe House.
At Random stole the show in this category and it's easy to understand why. There's nowhere in Milwaukee that's more dimly lit and serves up stronger specialty drinks.
If you're trying to get away to somewhere where you won't be seen (perhaps even by a waitress), this is definitely the place. Keep in mind that At Random is also at randomly open, so don't be surprised if you show up and the joint is closed.
So much history, so much mystique, so much Sinatra, so many strange photos of clowns and horses in the men's room. Oh yes, don't even try ordering a beer at At Random. They don't serve them. Instead, try the Tiki Love Bowl -- it comes on fire.
OnMilwaukee.com's editor's choice: Jamo's
Runners-up
2. The Safe House
3. Bryant's (R.I.P.)
4. Jamo's
5. Red Light
6. Red Room
7. The Lobby Lounge (The Pfister Hotel)
8. Centanni
9. Victor's
10. Palm Tavern
11. Village Pub
12. Angelo's
13. New York Piano Bar
14. Mosaic
15. Henry's
OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Julie Lawrence grew up in Wauwatosa and has lived her whole life in the Milwaukee area.
As any “word nerd” can attest, you never know when inspiration will strike, so from a very early age Julie has rarely been seen sans pen and little notebook. At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee it seemed only natural that she major in journalism. When OnMilwaukee.com offered her an avenue to combine her writing and the city she knows and loves in late 2004, she knew it was meant to be. Around the office, she answers to a plethora of nicknames, including “Lar,” (short for “Larry,” which is short for “Lawrence”) as well as the mysteriously-sourced “Bill Murray.”
